The next Sid Meier game is set in Beyond Earth's universe

Listen up strategy game fans, the next Sid Meier game has been announced, and it's call Sid Meier's Starships.

Set in the same universe as Civilization: Beyond Earth, Starships is a new tactical strategy game from creator of the Civilization series.

Meier says, "When designing Starships, I was intrigued by the idea of exploring the next chapter in the story of Civilization: Beyond Earth.

"What happens after we colonize our new home and eventually build starships to take to the stars? What has become of our long-lost brothers and sisters from the planet Earth?

"My goal was to create an experience that focuses on starship design and combat within a universe filled with interstellar adventure, diplomacy, and exploration."

The game will let players control a fleet of starships, travelling through the galaxy taking on missions, protecting planets, and building a planetary federation.

The devs also say that Beyond Earth and Starships will have some kind of cross-connectivity for players who own both games. No specifics were mentioned, but the developers say that it will "enhance and expand upon both game experiences."

Sid Meier's Starships is due for release on PC, Mac, and iPad in early 2015. Check out the announcement trailer for the game below.